1920s: The Harlem Renaissance characterizes a period of flowering of African-American literature.

1960s: The Black Arts Movement, also called the Black Aesthetic Movement, inspired in part by the Civil Rights Movement, represents the cutting edge of African-American artistic and literary style and philosophy.

1990s: A new generation of African-American writers and artists have been greatly influenced by the legacy of the Black Arts Movement.

1950s: The most prominent Black theaters in the United States include the American Negro Theater and the Negro Playwrights' Company.

1960s: Inspired by, and in part an initiator of, the Black Arts Movement, Amiri Baraka establishes the Black Repertory Theater in Harlem.

1990s: Numerous black theaters have been established throughout the United States, with many mainstream stages also featuring black theatrical productions.

1954: In the decision of Brown vs. the Board of Education, the Supreme Court declares that racially segregated schools...